RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation will begin temporary lane closures tomorrow, Wednesday Jan. 18 at 7 a.m., near the temporary bridge on N.C. 12 at Pea Island as crews install protective measures to prevent erosion near the south end of the bridge.

Lane closures will take place daily from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., and work is expected to last for the next four to six weeks.

During lane closures, crews will begin by realigning the guardrails in order to bring in a crane for a majority of the work. The work will include placing large stones and additional retaining walls at the south end of the bridge in order prevent erosion.

Motorists are asked to use caution when traveling in the area, and flaggers will be on hand to assist with traffic control.

NCDOT is working closely with all partners in developing a long-term plan as soon as possible for the areas of N.C. 12 that were damaged during Hurricane Irene in Aug. 2011. Once a decision is made, NCDOT will submit the plan to the governor.